Model Management for Computer Aided Design Systems

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for generating data for analysis from a model for a system. Components in the system are identified using the model for the system. Attributes for the components are identified using the model and a repository having performance information. Data is generated using the attributes. The data is configured for use by a particular analysis application.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to models of objects and, inparticular, to models of systems in objects, such as aircraft. Stillmore particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method andapparatus for processing the model of a system in an aircraft.

2. Background

Modern aircraft have many different types of systems. For example, anaircraft may have a hydraulic system, an environmental control system,an electrical system, a computer system, and/or other types of systems.The different systems in an aircraft have different components andinterconnections between the components. For example, a hydraulic systemmay have pumps and valves that are connected to each other by tubes.

In designing these and other types of systems, applications are used togenerate models of these systems and/or the aircraft having thesesystems. For example, applications running on computers may be used todesign objects, such as aircraft, and/or assemblies, systems, and partsof the objects. In particular, models may be generated for thesedifferent types of objects. Software, such as computer aided design(CAD) software, may be used to create these models. For example, acomputer aided design software package may include software to create amodel for a hydraulic system for an aircraft.

The models generated using these types of applications arerepresentations of the objects. These representations may betwo-dimensional and/or three-dimensional representations of the objects.Further, information may be included in the models. This information maytake the form of metadata. Metadata may be defined as data about data.In other words, metadata is data that provides information about one ormore aspects of the data with which the metadata is associated. Forexample, metadata for a model may include information about variousaspects of the model.

In particular, metadata may provide information about the differentcomponents that make up the object in the model. This information may beused to manufacture the object from the model. For example, the metadatamay include a part identifier, a type of material, a dimension, alocation, and/or other suitable types of information for the componentsmaking up the object in the model and the object.

These types of models may be used to manufacture the objects or partsfor the objects that are in the model. Oftentimes, however, analysis ofthe objects may be performed before the object is actually manufactured.The analysis may be performed using different types of software.

For example, system analysis software may be used to model fluid flow inan object, such as a hydraulic system for an aircraft. As anotherexample, a system analysis program also may be used to predict hydraulicpressure surges to an object in the form of a landing gear system for anaircraft.

The results of the analysis may be used to verify that desiredcharacteristics are present for an object. The results also may be usedto make changes to the model to obtain the desired characteristics.

Moving information from a model to an analysis program is often moretime consuming and tedious than desired. When more time and effort isused to move the information from a model to the analysis program, thetime needed to complete design and production of an object may increase.The increase in time may result in more expense and undesired delays inproducing the object.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus thattakes into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as wellas possibly other issues.

SUMMARY

In one advantageous embodiment, a method is provided for generating datafor analysis from a model for a system. Components in the system areidentified using the model for the system. Attributes for the componentsare identified using the model and a repository having performanceinformation. Data is generated using the attributes. The data isconfigured for use by a particular analysis application.

In another advantageous embodiment, a method for analyzing a system isprovided. Components are connected to each other in an arrangement forthe system. Attributes associated with each of the components areretrieved. The attributes include information about a performance ofeach of the components. The performance of the components in the systemis analyzed using the attributes and the connected arrangement of thesystem.

In yet another advantageous embodiment, a computer program productcomprises a computer readable storage media and first program code,second program code, and third program code stored on the computerreadable storage media. The first program code is for identifyingcomponents in a system using a model for the system. The second programcode is for identifying attributes for the components using the modeland a repository having performance information. The third program codeis for generating data using the attributes, wherein the data isconfigured for use by a particular analysis application.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently invarious embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yetother embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference tothe following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the advantageousembodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The advantageousembodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, furtherobjectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referenceto the following detailed description of an advantageous embodiment ofthe present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a display of an aircraft in accordance withan advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a design environment in accordance with anadvantageous embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of attributes for a created component inaccordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of attributes for a predefined component inaccordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a display of an aircraft in accordance withan advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a display of a hydraulic system for anaircraft in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a display of a section of a hydraulicsystem for an aircraft in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a portion of data generated by a processingmodule in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a portion of data generated by a processingmodule in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for processing amodel for a system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for identifyingattributes for a component in a system in accordance with anadvantageous embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for performing ananalysis of a system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for processing amodel for a fluid system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for analyzing asystem in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a data processing system in accordancewith an advantageous embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account anumber of different considerations. For example, the differentadvantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that theaccuracy of an analysis of a model depends on the model being analyzedmatching, as closely as possible, the model generated by the designapplication. The different advantageous embodiments recognize and takeinto account that one manner in which accuracy may be ensured is for anoperator to review the model generated by the design application andobtain the information needed to recreate a model for the analysisapplication.

The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into accountthat this type of process may be more time consuming that desired.Further, the different advantageous embodiments also recognize and takeinto account that errors in entry of data or different perspectives onwhat data is needed for an analysis model may be present.

Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method andapparatus for processing models. In the different advantageousembodiments, the processing of the models may be performed in a mannerto generate data containing information for analysis. This data may takethe form of a model that is specifically designed or configured to berun by a particular analysis application.

For example, in one advantageous embodiment, a method is provided forprocessing a model for a system. Components in the system are identifiedusing the model for the system. Attributes for the components areidentified using the model and a repository having performanceinformation. Data is generated using the attributes. The data isconfigured for use by a particular analysis application.

With reference now to FIG. 1, an illustration of a display of anaircraft is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Inthese illustrative examples, a display 100 of an aircraft 102 is apresentation of a model for the aircraft 102. In particular, the display100 of the aircraft 102 is an example of a presentation for the model ofthe aircraft 102 that may be displayed on a display device. The modelfor the aircraft 102 may be generated using, for example, computer aideddesign (CAD) software.

In these illustrative examples, the model for the aircraft 102 used tocreate the display 100 is a three-dimensional representation of theaircraft 102. Further, in these examples, the display 100 of theaircraft 102 is a three-dimensional perspective view of an exterior ofthe aircraft 102. Additionally, the model for the aircraft 102 mayinclude information about the aircraft 102 and the various systems,sub-systems, assemblies, and/or components that make up the aircraft102, as well as information about the model itself.

The model for the aircraft 102 may be used for the processes ofspecification and design, material procurement, component and assemblymanufacturing, system integration, maintenance and service, repair,and/or other suitable processes in the preproduction, manufacturing, andservice of a physical aircraft based on the aircraft 102 in the model.Analysis of the aircraft 102 and/or a system, assembly, or component ofthe aircraft 102 in the model may be performed prior to, after, and/orduring any of these processes.

For example, analysis of the aircraft 102 may be performed prior tomanufacturing the aircraft 102. This analysis may be performed using aparticular analysis application, depending on the implementation.Further, the analysis may be performed using information obtained fromthe model of the aircraft 102. In some cases, analysis may be performedfor a system in the aircraft 102, such as a hydraulic system.

With reference now to FIG. 2, an illustration of a design environment isdepicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. A designenvironment 200 includes a computer system 202. In this illustrativeexample, the computer system 202 is comprised of a number of computers204. “A number of items”, as used herein, means one or more items. Forexample, “a number of computers 204” means one or more computers.

In these illustrative examples, a design application 206 runs on thecomputer system 202. The design application 206 takes the form of acomputer aided design (CAD) application in these examples. As usedherein, an application comprises program code that may be run on thecomputer system 202 to perform different processes. An application mayinclude, for example, at least one of a program, a plug-in, a library, aconfiguration file, and/or other suitable types of program code.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list ofitems, means that different combinations of one or more of the listeditems may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed.For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include,for example, without limitation, item A, or item A and item B. Thisexample also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and itemC. In other examples, “at least one of” may be, for example, withoutlimitation, two of item A, one of item B, and 10 of item C; four of itemB and seven of item C; and other suitable combinations.

In these depicted examples, the design application 206 generates a model208 of an object 210. The model 208 for the object 210 may be used tomanufacture a physical object based on the object 210 in the model 208,make changes to a physical object already being manufactured, testpotential changes to the physical object, or perform other suitabledesign and/or manufacturing activities.

The object 210 in the model 208 may take a number of different forms.For example, the object 210 may take the form of a vehicle, a platform,a structure, an assembly, and/or some other suitable type of object. Inthese depicted examples, the object 210 may be an aircraft, such as theaircraft 102 in FIG. 1.

In these depicted examples, the object 210 may comprise any of a numberof different systems. For example, when the object 210 is an aircraft, asystem 212 in the object 210 may be, for example, without limitation, apropulsion system, an electrical system, a hydraulic system, an enginesystem, an environmental system, or some other suitable type of systemfor the aircraft.

In these depicted examples, the model 208 generated using the designapplication 206 may be for the object 210 and/or any of the systems forthe object 210. For example, the model 208 may be for an aircraft, suchas the aircraft 102 in FIG. 1, and a hydraulic system in the aircraft102 in FIG. 1. In some cases, the model 208 may be only for the system212.

In these illustrative examples, the system 212 for the object 210comprises components 214. In other words, at least two components arepresent in the system 212. The components 214 are connected to eachother in these examples.

As used herein, a first component “connected to” a second componentmeans that the first component can be connected directly or indirectlyto the second component. In other words, additional components may bepresent between the first component and the second component. The firstcomponent is considered to be indirectly connected to the secondcomponent when one or more additional components are present between thetwo components. When the first component is directly connected to thesecond component, no additional components are present between the twocomponents.

In these illustrative examples, two types of the components 214 arepresent in the system 212. For example, the system 212 may includecreated components 216, predefined components 218, or both types ofcomponents. The created components 216 are components that are designedor drawn in the computer system 202. The created components 216 may bedrawn or created using, for example, the design application 206 runningon the computer system 202.

The predefined components 218 are pre-existing components that may beobtained from another source. The predefined components 218 may beobtained from a file, a database, a data structure, and/or some othersuitable source.

The created components 216 may include, for example, at least one of atube, a wire, a cable, a spline, a duct, or some other suitable type ofcomponent that can be drawn or created within the computer system 202.The predefined components 218 may include, for example, at least one ofa fan, a turbine, a pump, a compressor, a heat exchanger, a valve, asensor, a computer, a switch, a router, a pump, and/or some othersuitable type of component.

As illustrated, the model 208 comprises geometry 220 and attributes 222.In particular, the model 208 includes the geometry 220 and theattributes 222 for the components 214 making up the system 212 in themodel 208. For example, each component in the components 214 for thesystem 212 may have the geometry 220 for the component and theattributes 222 for the component described in the model 208.

In these illustrative examples, the geometry 220 for a component 226 inthe system 212 comprises the information describing a shape 224 for thecomponent 226. For example, the geometry 220 may include geometricprimitives 228 for the shape 224 of the component 226. The geometricprimitives 228 are the simplest or smallest geometric objects that thedesign application 206 can process.

When the model 208 for the system 212 is a two-dimensionalrepresentation of the system 212, the geometric primitives 228 mayinclude shapes, such as, for example, without limitation, boxes,polygons, circles, and/or other suitable two-dimensional shapes. Whenthe model 208 for the system 212 is a three-dimensional representationof the system 212, the geometric primitives 228 may include shapes, suchas, for example, without limitation, cubes, cylinders, spheres, cones,pyramids, tori, and/or other suitable three-dimensional shapes.

In these illustrative examples, an analysis application 230 runs on thecomputer system 202. The analysis application 230 is used to analyze thedesign for the object 210 in model 208 created using the designapplication 206.

In these illustrative examples, the analysis application 230 may not beable to use the model 208 generated using the design application 206.Further, in some cases, the model 208 may not include all of theinformation needed for the analysis application 230 to perform ananalysis 232. For example, the model 208 generated using the designapplication 206, such as a computer aided design application, typicallydoes not include a coefficient of resistance for a bend in a tube thatmay be a component in the components 214 for the system 212.

As illustrated, a processing module 234 runs on the computer system 202.The processing module 234 with the computer system 202 may be referredto as a modeling system. The processing module 234 may be a stand-aloneprocess running on the computer system 202, or it may be implemented aspart of another application running on the computer system 202. Forexample, the processing module 234 may be implemented as part of thedesign application 206, the analysis application 230, or a combinationof the two.

The processing module 234 is configured to receive the model 208generated by the design application 206. When the processing module 234receives the model 208, the processing module 234 searches the model 208to identify the components 214 for the system 212. For example, theprocessing module 234 identifies a set of the created components 216 anda set of the predefined components 218 in the components 214 for thesystem 212 to be used in performing the analysis 232.

As used herein, “a set of components” means zero, one, or morecomponents. For example, “a set of the created components 216” may bezero of the created components 216, one of the created components 216,15 of the created components 216, or some other number of the createdcomponents 216. In this manner, the processing module 234 may identifysome or all of the created components 216 and the predefined components218 for the system 212 in the model 208.

Thereafter, the processing module 234 identifies attributes 241 for thecomponents 214. The attributes 241 for the components 214 identified bythe processing module 234 are the attributes that are needed to performthe analysis 232. For example, the processing module 234 identifies aset of the attributes 222 for the created components 216 and thepredefined components 218 identified by the processing module 234 usingthe model 208. In other words, in identifying the attributes 241 neededfor performing the analysis 232, the processing module 234 identifiesone, some, or all of the attributes 222 in the model 208 that are neededfor performing the analysis 232.

Further, in these illustrative examples, the processing module 234 alsomay determine whether all of the attributes 241 needed for performingthe analysis 232 using the analysis application 230 are identified. Thisdetermination may be based on at least one of the type of the analysis232 to be performed, the analysis application 230 performing theanalysis 232, and/or other suitable factors.

If all of the attributes 241 needed for performing the analysis 232 arenot present in the attributes 222 identified from the model 208 by theprocessing module 234, the processing module 234 then identifies whichattributes are still needed. These attributes may be referred to asneeded attributes 240. In this manner, the attributes 241 needed forperforming the analysis 232 include the needed attributes 240 and theattributes 222 identified using the model 208.

The process of identifying the needed attributes 240 may include, forexample, without limitation, generating the needed attributes 240,locating the needed attributes 240 in a file, locating the neededattributes 240 in a database, calculating the needed attributes 240based on the attributes 222 identified, and/or obtaining the neededattributes 240 using other suitable techniques.

In the process of identifying a created component 242 in the createdcomponents 216, the processing module 234 uses a name attribute 244. Inthese illustrative examples, the values for the name attribute 244 mayindicate that the created component 242 is a created component and not apredefined component. The name attribute 244 that identifies the createdcomponent 242 may be, for example, without limitation, tube, pipe, duct,cable, spline, or some other suitable type of name for the nameattribute 244.

In these illustrative examples, the processing module 234 identifiesgeometry 246 for the created component 242 as part of identifying thecreated component 242. For example, if the created component 242 takesthe form of a tube 248, the geometry 246 may include, for example,without limitation, a total length, a thickness, coordinates for eachend of the tube 248, straight sections, curved sections, an outerdiameter, an inner diameter, dimensions, and/or other suitable types ofinformation describing a shape 250 of the tube 248.

In addition, the processing module 234 also may determine whether avalue is present for a part number attribute 252 for the createdcomponent 242. A presence of a value for the part number attribute 252for the created component 242 may be used to identify additionalinformation about the created component 242.

For example, the processing module 234 uses the part number attribute252 to search a repository 254 for additional information about thecreated component 242. The repository 254 is a body or collection ofinformation. The repository 254 may include, for example, a number oflibraries, files, databases, data structures, tables, charts, and/orother suitable sources of information. The additional information storedin the repository 254 may include, for example, without limitation, atype of material, an identification of a thermal coefficient ofexpansion, and/or other suitable types of information.

In particular, the repository 254 includes performance information 255for at least a portion of the components 214 in the system 212. Theperformance information 255 may include, for example, withoutlimitation, operating parameters, heat coefficients, reliabilityindices, relationships between components, effects of components beingconnected to other components, performance constraints, and/or othertypes of performance information.

The processing module 234 may be configured to identify componentshaving the performance information 255 in the repository 254. When acomponent in the components 214 for the system 212 has the performanceinformation 255 in the repository 254, the performance information 255is used to obtain an attribute for performance of the component.

In this manner, the process for identifying the created component 242includes identifying at least one of the name attribute 244, the partnumber attribute 252, and other attributes 222 for the created component242, as well as additional information about the created component 242that may be found in the repository 254 and/or using some other suitablesource of information. This type of process is performed for eachcreated component in the created components 216 identified by theprocessing module 234 for the system 212 in the model 208.

In these illustrative examples, identifying a predefined component 256in the predefined components 218 for the system 212 also may includeidentifying a name attribute 258 and a part number attribute 260 for thepredefined component 256. With the part number attribute 260, theprocessing module 234 may query or access the repository 254 to obtainadditional information about the predefined component 256 if needed.

This additional information also may include, for example, withoutlimitation, geometry 262 for the predefined component 256 and connectionpoints 264 for the predefined component 256. The geometry 262 providesinformation for a shape 266 of the predefined component 256. Theconnection points 264 provide a number of locations at which the createdcomponent 242 may be connected to the predefined component 256. Alocation is described using coordinates in the coordinate system formodel 208 in these examples. The location of ends of the createdcomponent 242 and the location of the connection points 264 may be usedto identify a relationship or connection between the created component242 and the predefined component 256.

Additionally, other information may be obtained from the repository 254using the part number attribute 260 for the predefined component 256.For example, the efficiency, operating temperature, and/or othersuitable information for the predefined component 256 also may beobtained.

In this manner, the process for identifying the predefined component 256includes identifying at least one of the name attribute 258, the partnumber attribute 260, the geometry 262, the connection points 264, andother attributes 222 for the predefined component 256. Further, theprocess also includes identifying additional information about thepredefined component 256 that may be found in the repository 254 and/orusing some other suitable source of information. This type of process isperformed for each predefined component in the predefined components 218identified by the processing module 234 for the system 212 in the model208.

In these illustrative examples, the processing module 234 is configuredto generate data 263 using the created components 216, the predefinedcomponents 218, the attributes 222, and/or any of the needed attributes240 that may be identified using the model 208. In other words, theprocessing module 234 includes the created components 216, thepredefined components 218, the attributes 222, and any of the neededattributes 240 identified in the data 263. In the illustrative examples,the data 263 may be stored in a data structure such as a file, adatabase, and other suitable types of data structures.

The data 263 is configured to be used by the analysis application 230.In other words, the data 263 has the information needed to perform theanalysis 232, and the information is in a format that is recognized andusable by the analysis application 230. In particular, the data 263 isused by the analysis application 230 to perform the analysis 232. Inthese illustrative examples, the data 263 may contain a model 268 of thesystem 212, which is a different model than the model 208 generatedusing the design application 206. The model 268 generated by theprocessing module 234 includes substantially all of the informationneeded by the analysis application 230 to perform the analysis 232.Further, the model 268 generated by the processing module 234 is in aformat that can be processed by the analysis application 230.

The analysis application 230 may be, for example, without limitation, afinite element analysis application, a system analysis application, acomputer aided engineering application, a computer aided analysisapplication, or some other suitable type of analysis application. Anypresently available software for performing the desired type of analysismay be used. For example, a system analysis application may be used toperform analysis 232 in the form of, for example, simulations. Thesesimulations may include fluid flow, loading, and/or other suitable typesof simulations.

Based on the analysis 232 performed by the analysis application 230, adetermination may be made as to whether the system 212 for the object210 and/or the object 210 performs as desired. Further, based on theanalysis 232 of the model 268 generated by the processing module 234,adjustments may be made to the model 208 generated using the designapplication 206. After adjustments are made to the model 208 generatedusing the design application 206, the processing module 234 may thencreate new data to be analyzed using the analysis application 230.

In these illustrative examples, the model 208 generated using the designapplication 206 may be presented as a display 270 on a display device272 in communication with the computer system 202. The display device272 may be connected to the computer system 202 using wires and/orwirelessly. The display 270 that is displayed on the display device 272is a presentation of the model 208. The display 270 may include at leastone of the object 210, the system 212 for the object 210, and acomponent in the components 214 for the object 210.

In some cases, the model 268 generated by the processing module 234 mayalso be presented on the display device 272. Further, results 274 of theanalysis 232 performed by the analysis application 230 may also bedisplayed on the display device 272. In these illustrative examples, theresults 274 identify a performance of the components 214.

The illustration of the design environment 200 is not meant to implyphysical or architectural limitations to the manner in which differentadvantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components inaddition to and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Somecomponents may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also,the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. Oneor more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into differentblocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

For example, the system 212 may be for objects other than an aircraft.For example, without limitation, the system 212 may be designed for usein other types of objects. For example, without limitation, the object210 may be a mobile platform, a stationary platform, a land-basedstructure, an aquatic-based structure, a space-based structure, or someother suitable type of platform. More specifically, the object 210 maybe a submarine, a bus, a personnel carrier, a tank, a train, aspacecraft, a space station, a satellite, a surface ship, a power plant,a van, a manufacturing facility, a city water system, a building, orsome other suitable type of object.

In this manner, the system 212 for which the model 208 is generatedusing the design application 206 may be for any system in any of thesetypes of objects and/or platforms and/or for any of these types ofobjects and/or platforms.

In some illustrative examples, the model 208 generated by the designapplication 206, the model 268 generated by the processing module 234,and/or the results 274 of the analysis 232 performed by the analysisapplication 230 may be presented as displays on different displaydevices.

With reference now to FIG. 3, an illustration of attributes for acreated component is depicted in accordance with an advantageousembodiment. In this illustrative example, a created component 300 is anexample of one of the created components 216 in FIG. 2. The createdcomponent 300 is a pipe line 302.

Attributes 303 for the pipe line 302 may include, for example, withoutlimitation, a schematic symbol identifier 304, a schematic symbol name306, a friction factor table identifier 308, a pressure drop coefficienttable identifier 310, a friction factor constant 312, a pressure dropcoefficient 314, a Mach number at outlet 316, a flow factor exponent318, a line length 320, a diameter 322, a cross-sectional area 324, aninside diameter 326, a wall thickness 328, and/or other suitableattributes.

With reference now to FIG. 4, an illustration of attributes for apredefined component is depicted in accordance with an advantageousembodiment. In this illustrative example, a predefined component 400 isan example of one of the predefined components 218 in FIG. 2. Thepredefined component 400 is a pressure regulator 402.

Attributes 403 for the pressure regulator 402 may include, for example,without limitation, a schematic symbol identifier 404, a schematicsymbol name 406, a pressure drop coefficient table identifier 408, apressure drop coefficient 410, a flow factor exponent 412, a diameter414, and a regulator pressure setting 416.

The illustrations of the attributes 303 in FIG. 3 and the attributes 403in FIG. 4 are only some examples of attributes. The pipe line 302 andthe pressure regulator 402 may have other attributes in addition to orin place of the ones presented. Of course, other types of components mayhave the same and/or different attributes as the ones presented.

The illustrations of attributes for created component 300 in FIG. 3 andpredefined component 400 in FIG. 4 are only meant as examples of some ofthe types of components and information that may be included forattributes. Other components may have other types or numbers ofattributes in addition to or in place of the ones in these illustrativeexamples.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an illustration of a display of anaircraft is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Inthis illustrative example, a display 500 of the aircraft 102 from FIG. 1now includes a hydraulic system 502 for the aircraft 102.

The display 500 of the aircraft 102 and the hydraulic system 502 is anexample of another type of presentation of the model for the aircraft102 as compared to the display 100 of the aircraft 102 in FIG. 1. Themodel for the aircraft 102 may be one example of the model 208 in FIG.2. The display 500 of the aircraft 102 in this example, as well as thedisplay 100 of the aircraft 102 in FIG. 1, is an example of one mannerin which a model, such as the model 208 in FIG. 2, may be presented.

In this depicted example, the display 500 of the aircraft 102 is apartially-exposed view of the aircraft 102 that allows the hydraulicsystem 502 in the aircraft 102 to be seen. The hydraulic system 502 isan example of one type of the system 212 in FIG. 2 that may be modeled.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustration of a display of a hydraulicsystem for an aircraft is depicted in accordance with an advantageousembodiment. In this illustrative example, a display 600 of the hydraulicsystem 502 from FIG. 5 for the aircraft 102 in FIGS. 1 and 5 does notinclude a presentation of the aircraft 102. In other words, only thehydraulic system 502 is displayed in the display 600. As depicted, thehydraulic system 502 for the aircraft 102 has a section 602 containingcomponents that may be identified for analysis.

With reference now to FIG. 7, an illustration of a display of a sectionof a hydraulic system for an aircraft is depicted in accordance with anadvantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, a display 700 ofthe section 602 of the hydraulic system 502 from FIG. 6 is depicted. Asillustrated, the section 602 of the hydraulic system 502 includesvarious components that may be identified when performing the analysis232 of the hydraulic system 502 and/or the aircraft 102 using theanalysis application 230 in FIG. 2.

For example, a first component 702 and a second component 704 areexamples of components that may be identified for performing theanalysis 232 using the data 263 in FIG. 2. In other words, the firstcomponent 702 and the second component 704, as well as the attributes222 and the geometry 220 for these components, may be identified in thedata 263. The data 263 may be used in performing the analysis 232.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an illustration of a portion of data generated bya processing module is depicted in accordance with an advantageousembodiment. In this illustrative example, a portion 800 of data 802 thatmay be generated by the processing module 234 in FIG. 2 is depicted. Theportion 800 of the data 802 contains attributes that may be identifiedby the processing module 234 for the first component 702 in the section602 of the hydraulic system 502 in FIG. 7.

The data 802 is in a format that can be processed by the analysisapplication 230 in FIG. 2. In this manner, the portion 800 of the data802 for the first component 702 may be used in performing the analysis232 of the first component 702 and/or the hydraulic system 502.

In FIG. 9, an illustration of a portion of a data generated by aprocessing module is depicted in accordance with an advantageousembodiment. In this illustrative example, a portion 900 of the data 802contains attributes that may be identified by the processing module 234for the second component 704 in the section 602 of the hydraulic system502 from FIG. 7. The portion 900 of the data 802 may be used inperforming the analysis 232 of the second component 704 and/or thehydraulic system 502.

With reference now to FIG. 10, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for processing a model for a system is depicted in accordancewith an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 10 maybe implemented using the processing module 234 in FIG. 2.

The process begins by receiving the model 208 for the system 212 fromthe design application 206 (operation 1000). The model 208 is arepresentation of the system 212 and includes information about thecomponents 214 in the system 212. This information may be, for example,metadata. For example, the model 208 includes the geometry 220 and theattributes 222 for the components 214 in the system 208.

The process then searches the model 208 to identify the set of thecreated components 216 for the system 212 and the set of the predefinedcomponents 218 for performing the analysis 232 of the system 212(operation 1002). The created components 216 and the predefinedcomponents 218 identified may be some or all of the created components216 and the predefined components 218 in the model 208 for the system212. In this manner, the process identifies the components 214 in thesystem 212 for use with the model 208 of the system 212 in operation1002.

The process then identifies the attributes 222 using the model 208 forthe created components 216 identified and the predefined components 218identified that are needed for performing the analysis 232 of the system212 (operation 1004). The attributes 222 identified may be some or allof the attributes 222 for the components 214 in the model 208. In otherwords, the attributes 222 identified in operation 1004 may be a subsetof the attributes 222 in the model 208.

Thereafter, the process determines whether all of the attributes 222needed for performing the analysis 232 have been identified using themodel 208 (operation 1006). If all of the attributes 222 have not beenidentified using the model 208, the process obtains any neededattributes 240 for performing the analysis 232 from the repository 254having the performance information 255 (operation 1008). In this manner,in operation 1006 and operation 1008, the process identifies attributes222 for the components 214 using the model 208 and the repository 254.

Then, the process uses the attributes 222 identified from the model 208and any needed attributes 240 obtained from the repository 254 togenerate the data 263 for the system 212 (operation 1010). The data 263includes the model 268 of the system 212 that can be used by theanalysis application 230 to perform the analysis 232 of the system 212.In particular, the model 268 in the data 263 contains the attributes 222in the model 208 and any needed attributes 240 needed for performing theanalysis 232 using the analysis application 230. The data 263 isconfigured for use by the analysis application 230. In other words, thedata 263 is in a format that can be processed by the analysisapplication 230.

The process then sends the data 263 to the analysis application 230(operation 1012), with the process terminating thereafter.

With reference again to operation 1006, if all of the attributes neededfor performing the analysis 232 have been identified using the model208, the process proceeds to operation 1010 as described above.

Turning now to FIG. 11, an illustration of a flowchart of a process foridentifying attributes for a component in a system is depicted inaccordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 11 may be to implement operations 1004, 1006, and 1008 in FIG. 10.

The process begins by selecting an unprocessed component from thecreated components 216 and the predefined components 218 identified forthe system 212 using the model 208 (operation 1100). The process thenidentifies the attributes 241 for the selected component using the model208 (operation 1102).

In some cases, operation 1102 may include identifying calculatedattributes for the selected component. Calculated attributes areattributes that are identified by calculating values for the attributes.These calculations may be based on the attributes identified using themodel 208. Calculated attributes may be identified using variouscomputational techniques. In other words, values for the attributes 241for a component in the model 208 may be used to perform calculations toidentify a calculated attribute.

Thereafter, the process determines whether any of the attributes 241needed to perform the analysis 232 of the system 212 are absent(operation 1104). If any of the attributes 241 needed to perform theanalysis 232 of the system 212 are absent, the process searches therepository 254 for the needed attributes 240 (operation 1106).

Next, the process identifies the geometry 220 and/or connection pointsfor the selected component (operation 1108). For example, when theselected component is a predefined component, geometry and connectionpoints may be identified for the selected component. The geometry for acomponent describes a shape of the component.

When the selected component is a created component, geometry isidentified for the selected component. In some cases, locations forconnections of the created component to connection points on apredefined component may be identified.

Thereafter, the process determines whether any unprocessed componentsare present (operation 1110). If unprocessed components are not present,the process terminates. Otherwise, the process returns to operation 1100as described above.

With reference again to operation 1104, if none of the attributes 241needed to perform the analysis 232 of the system 212 are absent, theprocess proceeds to operation 1108 as described above. In thisillustrative example, the different iterations of operation 1102 areperformed to perform operation 1004 in FIG. 10 for identifying theattributes 222 for the components 214. Further, the different iterationsof operation 1104 are performed to perform operation 1006 in FIG. 10 fordetermining whether any attributes 222 needed for performing theanalysis 232 are absent. Still further, the different iterations ofoperation 1106 are performed to identify the needed attributes 240 fromthe repository 254.

Turning now to FIG. 12, an illustration of a flowchart of a process forperforming an analysis of a system is depicted in accordance with anadvantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 12 may beimplemented using the analysis application 230 in FIG. 2.

The process begins by receiving the data 263 generated by the processingmodule 234 (operation 1200). This data may be received as a file, from adatabase, or in some other suitable manner. The data 263 received inthis operation is same as the data 263 generated in operation 1110 inFIG. 11. The data 263 contains the model 268 of the system 212 to beanalyzed and/or other suitable information in this illustrative example.The process then performs the analysis 232 of the system 212 using thedata 263 (operation 1202).

The process then determines whether the system 212 performs in a desiredmanner based on the results 274 of the analysis 232 (operation 1204). Ifthe system 212 performs in a desired manner, the process terminates.Otherwise, the process identifies adjustments that may be made to themodel 208 for the system generated using the design application 206(operation 1206), with the process terminating thereafter.

With reference now to FIG. 13, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for processing a model for a fluid system is depicted inaccordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 13 may be implemented using the processing module 234 in FIG. 2.Further, this process may be implemented to process the model 208 for afluid system for an aircraft, such as the aircraft 102 in FIG. 1.

The process begins by identifying the fluid system in the model 208 asthe system 212 to be analyzed (operation 1300). In other words, thefluid system is an example of the system 212 in the model 208 that is tobe analyzed. This identification may be based on, for example, userinput indicating that the fluid system for the aircraft is to beanalyzed. The process then identifies components and tubes for the fluidsystem using the model 208 for the fluid system (operation 1302). Thecomponents and tubes identified for the fluid system make up the fluidsystem.

Thereafter, the process identifies the attributes 222 for each tube inthe tubes identified for the fluid system using the model 208 (operation1304). The attributes identified for each tube in operation 1304 mayinclude, for example, without limitation, a part number, endpointcoordinates, a total length, an outer diameter, an inner diameter, awall thickness, a bend angle, a radius of bend, and/or other suitableattributes for a tube.

The process also identifies the attributes 222 for each component in thecomponents identified for the fluid system using the model 208(operation 1306). The attributes 222 identified for each component inoperation 1306 may include, for example, without limitation, a partnumber, a part name, one or more connection point coordinates, acentroid coordinate, and/or other suitable information for a component.

Then, calculations are performed to identify a number of calculatedattributes for each tube in the tubes identified (operation 1307). Thesecalculations may be based on the attributes 222 identified for the tubesin operation 1304.

In this illustrative example, a coefficient of resistance, or K-value,is an example of a calculated attribute. The coefficient of resistancemay be calculated for each bend in a curved or bended section of a tube.The coefficient of resistance is calculated using the total length,inner diameter, bend angle, and radius of bend for the bend for a tube.For example, the coefficient of resistance may be calculated using thefollowing equations:

K=1.46017−2.33930*RD+1.86681*RD**2−0.774919*RD**3+0.160372*RD**4−0.0129661*RD**5,  (1)

C=0.221434E−3+0.160218E−1*THETA−0.474620E−4*THETA**2−0.175869E−6*THETA**3+0.109053E8*THETA**4,  (2)

and

K-Value=C*K,   (3)

where K is height-to-width ratio resistance, RD is the radius of bendfor the outer diameter for a bend in the tube, THETA is the bend angle,C is coefficient of elongation, and E is the exponent function.

Further, the process searches the repository 254 for the performanceinformation 255 for each component in the components identified using atleast a portion of the attributes identified for each component(operation 1308). For example, in operation 1308, one or more of theattributes identified for each component in operation 1306 may be usedto search the repository 254 for the performance information 255. Inparticular, one attribute identified for a component may be a partnumber. The part number may be used to search the repository for theperformance information 255 for the component.

Thereafter, the process stores the attributes 222 identified for thetubes, the attributes 222 identified for the components, the calculatedattributes identified for the tubes, and any performance information 255found in the repository 254 for the components in a data structure(operation 1310). The data structure may be, for example, a data array,a table, a chart, a database, or some other suitable type of datastructure.

The process then generates the data 263 for the fluid system using thedata structure (operation 1312), with the process terminatingthereafter. The data 263 is configured for use in performing theanalysis 232 of the fluid system using the analysis application 230. Inother words, the items in the data structure may be placed or changedinto a form that is used by analysis application 230. The data 263includes the model 268 of the fluid system that is different from themodel 208 used to identify the different components in the fluid system.

Turning next to FIG. 14, an illustration of a flowchart of a process foranalyzing a system is depicted in accordance with an advantageousembodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 14 may be implemented in thedesign environment 200 in FIG. 2. As an illustrative example, theprocess may be implemented in the analysis application 230 in FIG. 2. Insome examples, a portion of the process may be implemented by theprocessing module 234 in FIG. 2.

The process begins by connecting components 214 to each other in anarrangement for the system 212 (operation 1400). This connection may beperformed in response to receiving user input or the model 208 of thesystem 212. The connection may be performed by the processing module234, the analysis application 230, or both. In particular, thecomponents 214 may be graphically connected in a graphical userenvironment.

In one illustrative example, an operator of the software may use a mouseor other pointing device to move the components 214 into positionsrelative to each other to form an arrangement for the system 212. Thecomponents 214 are connected to each other in this arrangement for thesystem 212.

The process retrieves the attributes 241 associated with each of thecomponents 214 (operation 1402). The attributes 241 may be retrievedfrom the repository 254 or from other sources. The attributes 241include information about the performance of each of the components 214.In operation 1402, the attributes 241 may be retrieved electronically.

The process then analyzes a performance of the components 214 in thesystem 212 using the attributes 241 and the connected arrangement of thesystem 212 (operation 1404), with the process terminating thereafter.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodimentsillustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of somepossible implementations of apparatus and methods in differentadvantageous embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchartsor block diagrams may represent a module, segment, function, and/or aportion of an operation or step. For example, one or more of the blocksmay be implemented as program code, in hardware, or a combination of theprogram code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardwaremay, for example, take the form of integrated circuits that aremanufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in theflowcharts or block diagrams.

In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted inthe block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example,in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executedsubstantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed inthe reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Also,other blocks may be added in addition to the illustrated blocks in aflowchart or block diagram.

For example, in some illustrative examples, operation 1306 may beperformed prior to operation 1304. In some cases, operation 1306 andoperation 1304 may be performed at the same time. In other examples,operation 1307 and operation 1308 may be performed at the same time.

Turning now to FIG. 15, an illustration of a data processing system isdepicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In thisillustrative example, a data processing system 1500 may be used toimplement computers, such as the number of computers 204 in the computersystem 202 in FIG. 2. In this illustrative example, the data processingsystem 1500 includes a communications fabric 1502, which providescommunications between a processor unit 1504, a memory 1506, apersistent storage 1508, a communications unit 1510, an input/output(I/O) unit 1512, and a display 1514.

The processor unit 1504 serves to execute instructions for software thatmay be loaded into the memory 1506. The processor unit 1504 may be anumber of processors, a multi-processor core, or some other type ofprocessor, depending on the particular implementation. A number, as usedherein with reference to an item, means one or more items. Further, theprocessor unit 1504 may be implemented using a number of heterogeneousprocessor systems in which a main processor is present with secondaryprocessors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, theprocessor unit 1504 may be a symmetric multi-processor system containingmultiple processors of the same type.

The memory 1506 and the persistent storage 1508 are examples of storagedevices 1516. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capableof storing information, such as, for example, without limitation, data,program code in functional form, and/or other suitable information,either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. The storagedevices 1516 may also be referred to as computer readable storagedevices in these examples. The memory 1506, in these examples, may be,for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile ornon-volatile storage device. The persistent storage 1508 may takevarious forms, depending on the particular implementation.

For example, the persistent storage 1508 may contain one or morecomponents or devices. For example, the persistent storage 1508 may be ahard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritablemagnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by thepersistent storage 1508 also may be removable. For example, a removablehard drive may be used for the persistent storage 1508.

The communications unit 1510, in these examples, provides forcommunications with other data processing systems or devices. In theseexamples, the communications unit 1510 is a network interface card. Thecommunications unit 1510 may provide communications through the use ofeither or both physical and wireless communications links.

The input/output unit 1512 allows for input and output of data withother devices that may be connected to the data processing system 1500.For example, the input/output unit 1512 may provide a connection foruser input through a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable inputdevice. Further, the input/output unit 1512 may send output to aprinter. The display 1514 provides a mechanism to display information toa user.

Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or programs maybe located in the storage devices 1516, which are in communication withthe processor unit 1504 through the communications fabric 1502. In theseillustrative examples, the instructions are in a functional form on thepersistent storage 1508. These instructions may be loaded into thememory 1506 for execution by the processor unit 1504. The processes ofthe different embodiments may be performed by the processor unit 1504using computer implemented instructions, which may be located in amemory, such as the memory 1506.

These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usableprogram code, or computer readable program code that may be read andexecuted by a processor in the processor unit 1504. The program code inthe different embodiments may be embodied on different physical orcomputer readable storage media, such as the memory 1506 or thepersistent storage 1508.

A program code 1518 is located in a functional form on a computerreadable media 1520 that is selectively removable and may be loaded ontoor transferred to the data processing system 1500 for execution by theprocessor unit 1504. The program code 1518 and the computer readablemedia 1520 form a computer program product 1522 in these examples. Inone example, the computer readable media 1520 may be a computer readablestorage media 1524 or a computer readable signal media 1526. Thecomputer readable storage media 1524 may include, for example, anoptical or magnetic disk that is inserted or placed into a drive orother device that is part of the persistent storage 1508 for transferonto a storage device, such as a hard drive, that is part of thepersistent storage 1508.

The computer readable storage media 1524 also may take the form of apersistent storage, such as a hard drive, a thumb drive, or a flashmemory, that is connected to the data processing system 1500. In someinstances, the computer readable storage media 1524 may not be removablefrom the data processing system 1500. In these examples, the computerreadable storage media 1524 is a physical or tangible storage deviceused to store the program code 1518, rather than a medium thatpropagates or transmits the program code 1518. The computer readablestorage media 1524 is also referred to as a computer readable tangiblestorage device or a computer readable physical storage device. In otherwords, the computer readable storage media 1524 is a media that can betouched by a person.

Alternatively, the program code 1518 may be transferred to the dataprocessing system 1500 using the computer readable signal media 1526.The computer readable signal media 1526 may be, for example, apropagated data signal containing the program code 1518. For example,the computer readable signal media 1526 may be an electromagneticsignal, an optical signal, and/or any other suitable type of signal.These signals may be transmitted over communications links, such aswireless communications links, optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, awire, and/or any other suitable type of communications link. In otherwords, the communications link and/or the connection may be physical orwireless in the illustrative examples.

In some advantageous embodiments, the program code 1518 may bedownloaded over a network to the persistent storage 1508 from anotherdevice or data processing system through the computer readable signalmedia 1526 for use within the data processing system 1500. For instance,program code stored in a computer readable storage medium in a serverdata processing system may be downloaded over a network from the serverto the data processing system 1500. The data processing system providingthe program code 1518 may be a server computer, a client computer, orsome other device capable of storing and transmitting the program code1518.

The different components illustrated for the data processing system 1500are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner inwhich different embodiments may be implemented. The differentadvantageous embodiments may be implemented in a data processing systemincluding components in addition to or in place of those illustrated forthe data processing system 1500.

Other components shown in FIG. 15 can be varied from the illustrativeexamples shown. The different embodiments may be implemented using anyhardware device or system capable of running program code. As oneexample, the data processing system may include organic componentsintegrated with inorganic components and/or may be comprised entirely oforganic components excluding a human being. For example, a storagedevice may be comprised of an organic semiconductor.

In another illustrative example, the processor unit 1504 may take theform of a hardware unit that has circuits that are manufactured orconfigured for a particular use. This type of hardware may performoperations without needing program code to be loaded into a memory froma storage device to be configured to perform the operations.

For example, when the processor unit 1504 takes the form of a hardwareunit, the processor unit 1504 may be a circuit system, an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or someother suitable type of hardware configured to perform a number ofoperations. With a programmable logic device, the device is configuredto perform the number of operations.

The device may be reconfigured at a later time or may be permanentlyconfigured to perform the number of operations. Examples of programmablelogic devices include, for example, a programmable logic array,programmable array logic, a field programmable logic array, a fieldprogrammable gate array, and other suitable hardware devices. With thistype of implementation, the program code 1518 may be omitted, becausethe processes for the different embodiments are implemented in ahardware unit.

In still another illustrative example, the processor unit 1504 may beimplemented using a combination of processors found in computers andhardware units. The processor unit 1504 may have a number of hardwareunits and a number of processors that are configured to run the programcode 1518. With this depicted example, some of the processes may beimplemented in the number of hardware units, while other processes maybe implemented in the number of processors.

In another example, a bus system may be used to implement thecommunications fabric 1502 and may be comprised of one or more buses,such as a system bus or an input/output bus. Of course, the bus systemmay be implemented using any suitable type of architecture that providesfor a transfer of data between different components or devices attachedto the bus system.

Additionally, a communications unit may include a number of devices thattransmit data, receive data, or transmit and receive data. Acommunications unit may be, for example, a modem or a network adapter,two network adapters, or some combination thereof. Further, a memory maybe, for example, the memory 1506, or a cache, such as found in aninterface and memory controller hub that may be present in thecommunications fabric 1502.

Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method andapparatus for processing models. In the different advantageousembodiments, the processing of the models may be performed in a mannerto generate the data 263 for analysis. The data 263 may take the form ofthe model 268 that is specifically designed or configured to be run by aparticular analysis application.

For example, in one advantageous embodiment, a method is provided forprocessing the model 208 for the system 212. The components 214 in thesystem 212 are identified using the model 208 for the system 212. Theattributes 222 for the components 214 are identified using the model 208and the repository 254 having the performance information 255. The data263 is generated using the attributes 222. The data 263 is configuredfor use by a particular analysis application 230.

The different advantageous embodiments provide a method for processing amodel generated using a computer aided design application that reducesthe time and/or effort needed for moving information from the model toan analysis application.

The description of the different advantageous embodiments has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description and is notintended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageousembodiments may provide different advantages as compared to otheradvantageous embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected arechosen and described in order to best explain the principles of theembodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated.

1. A method for generating data for analysis from a model for a system,the method comprising: identifying components in the system using themodel for the system; identifying attributes for the components usingthe model and a repository having performance information; andgenerating the data using the attributes, wherein the data is configuredfor use by a particular analysis application.
 2. The method of claim 1further comprising: performing an analysis of the system using the dataand the particular analysis application.
 3. The method of claim 2further comprising: adjusting the model based on results of theanalysis, wherein the results identifies a performance of thecomponents.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of identifyingthe components in the system using the model comprises: identifying aset of created components in the system; and identifying a set ofpredefined components in the system.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinthe step of identifying the attributes of the components using the modeland the repository having the performance information comprises:identifying the attributes for the set of created components in thesystem and the set of predefined components in the system.
 6. The methodof claim 5, wherein the step of identifying the attributes for the setof created components in the system and the set of predefined componentsin the system comprises: identifying first geometry and first attributesfor the set of created components; identifying second geometry, secondattributes, and a number of connection points for the set of predefinedcomponents; and identifying a number of connections of the set ofcreated components to the number of connection points for the set ofpredefined components.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:determining whether a number of needed attributes is absent from theattributes; identifying the number of needed attributes in response to adetermination that the number of needed attributes is absent from theattributes; and wherein the step of generating the data using theattributes comprises: generating the data using the attributes and thenumber of needed attributes, wherein the data is configured for use bythe particular analysis application.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe step of identifying the attributes for the components using themodel and the repository having the performance information comprises:identifying a set of components having performance information in therepository; and obtaining an attribute for performance of a component inthe components from the repository.
 9. The method of claim 5, whereinthe set of created components comprises a set of tubes and wherein anattribute in the attributes comprises a coefficient of resistance foreach bend in the set of tubes.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thestep of identifying the attributes for the set of created components inthe system and for the set of predefined components in the systemcomprises: identifying a radius of bend for an outside diameter for abend in a tube in the set of tubes; identifying a bend angle for thebend; and calculating the coefficient of resistance for the bend usingthe radius of bend and the bend angle.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the system is associated with one of a mobile platform, astationary platform, a land-based structure, an aquatic-based structure,a space-based structure, an aircraft, a submarine, a bus, a personnelcarrier, a tank, a train, a spacecraft, a space station, a satellite, asurface ship, a power plant, a van, a manufacturing facility, a citywater system, and a building.
 12. A method for analyzing a system, themethod comprising: connecting components to each other in an arrangementfor the system; retrieving attributes associated with each of thecomponents, wherein the attributes include information about aperformance of each of the components; and analyzing the performance ofthe components in the system using the attributes and the arrangementfor the system.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the components areconnected to each other in a graphical user environment and wherein theattributes are retrieved electronically.
 14. A computer program productcomprising: a computer readable storage media; first program code,stored on the computer readable storage media, for identifyingcomponents in a system using a model for the system; second programcode, stored on the computer readable storage media, for identifyingattributes for the components using the model and a repository havingperformance information; and third program code, stored on the computerreadable storage media, for generating data using the attributes,wherein the data is configured for use by a particular analysisapplication.
 15. The computer program product of claim 14 furthercomprising: fourth program code, stored on the computer readable storagemedia, for performing an analysis of the system using the data and theparticular analysis application.
 16. The computer program product ofclaim 14 further comprising: fourth program code, stored on the computerreadable storage media, for generating the model for the system, whereinthe model includes the attributes for the components in the system. 17.The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the first program codecomprises program code for identifying a set of created components and aset of predefined components in the system.
 18. The computer programproduct of claim 17, wherein the second program code comprises programcode for identifying first geometry and first attributes for the set ofcreated components; identifying second geometry, second attributes, anda number of connection points for the set of predefined components; andidentifying a number of connections of the set of created components tothe number of connection points for the set of predefined components.19. The computer program product of claim 14 further comprising: fourthprogram code, stored on the computer readable storage media, fordetermining whether a number of needed attributes is absent from theattributes; and fifth program code, stored on the computer readablestorage media, for identifying the number of needed attributes inresponse to a determination that the number of needed attributes isabsent from the attributes, wherein the third program code uses theattributes and the number of needed attributes to generate the data foruse by the particular analysis application.
 20. The computer programproduct of claim 14 further comprising: fourth program code, stored onthe computer readable storage media, for performing calculations toidentify a number of calculated attributes for the components using atleast a portion of the attributes identified for the components andsearching the repository for any performance information for thecomponents using the at least a portion of the attributes.